WO2019151528A1

WO2019151528A1 - High-frequency front-end module and communication apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2019151528A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/003988
Authority: WO
Inventors: 基嗣津田; 隆之中村; デロクオ
Original assignee: 株式会社村田製作所
Priority date: 2018-02-05
Filing date: 2019-02-05
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Also published as: US11290135B2; US10998924B2; CN111684727B; US11863215B2; US11621732B2; US20200366323A1; US20210226651A1; CN111684727A; US20230208452A1; US20220182081A1

Abstract

This high-frequency front-end module (2A) is provided with: a primary antenna (11) and a secondary antenna (12); a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer; and a switch circuit (20). The first multiplexer has a communication filter (31T) of band A, and a reception filter (31R) of band A, and does not have a transmission filter of band B. The second multiplexer has a communication filter (32T) of band B, and a reception filter (32R) of band B, and does not have a transmission filter of band A. The switch circuit (20) exclusively switches a connection between the primary antenna (11) and the first multiplexer and a connection between the primary antenna (11) and the second multiplexer, and exclusively switches a connection between the secondary antenna (12) and the first multiplexer and a connection betweeen the secondary antenna (12) and the second multiplexer.

Description

High-frequency front-end module and communication device

The present invention relates to a high-frequency front end module and a communication device for processing a high-frequency signal.

It is required to apply a carrier aggregation (CA) system that uses different frequency bands simultaneously to a high-frequency front-end module that supports multi-band and multi-mode.

Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna interface circuit that uses two antennas to simultaneously transmit (2 uplink) and simultaneously receive (2 downlink) signals of different frequency bands. More specifically, the antenna interface circuit includes a first antenna interface circuit coupled to the first antenna and a second antenna interface circuit coupled to the second antenna. The first antenna interface circuit includes a first quadplexer for the first band and the second band. The second antenna interface circuit also includes a second quadplexer for the first band and the second band.

Special table 2016-501467 gazette

In a system applied to two uplinks and two downlinks, two antennas are arranged to suppress mutual interference of two signals transmitted simultaneously as in the antenna interface circuit described in Patent Document 1, The antenna is assigned to the primary antenna that is preferentially used in terms of antenna performance, and the second antenna is assigned to the secondary antenna. In such a system, in order to optimize the signal quality even in one uplink, it is necessary to transmit and receive each of the first band and the second band using the primary antenna. Therefore, a transmission filter and a reception filter having a first band as a pass band, and a transmission filter and a reception filter having a second band as a pass band are provided in each of the first antenna interface circuit and the second antenna interface circuit. Four filters are required. That is, the antenna interface circuit described in Patent Document 1 requires a total of eight filters, and there is a problem that the circuit becomes enlarged as the number of bands increases.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a small high-frequency front-end module and communication apparatus capable of 2-uplink 2-downlink CA.

To achieve the above object, a high-frequency front-end module according to an aspect of the present invention is included in a first transmission band signal included in a first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. Two uplinks for simultaneously transmitting signals in the second transmission band, and signals in the first reception band included in the first frequency band and signals in the second reception band included in the second frequency band at the same time A high-frequency front-end module in which two downlinks are received, comprising a primary antenna and a secondary antenna, a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal A first switch circuit having a first transmission filter whose pass band is the first transmission band; A first reception filter having a first reception band as a pass band, no transmission filter having a pass band as the second transmission band, and the second multiplexer having the second transmission band as a pass band. The second transmission filter and the second reception filter having the second reception band as a pass band, without the transmission filter having the first transmission band as the pass band, and the first terminal is The second terminal is connected to the secondary antenna, and the third terminal is connected to the output terminal of the first transmission filter and the input terminal of the first reception filter. The fourth terminal is connected to the output terminal of the second transmission filter and the input terminal of the second reception filter.

Conventionally, in a system including a CA mode that simultaneously uses high-frequency signals in two different first frequency bands and second frequency bands, priority is given to ensure signal quality such as isolation between two high-frequency signals transmitted and received simultaneously. Two antenna elements are arranged, such as a primary antenna used for and a secondary antenna used as a secondary. In this case, since it is necessary to be able to transmit and receive each of the high frequency signals of the first frequency band and the second frequency band by any antenna, the primary antenna has a transmission path and a reception path of the first frequency band and a second frequency band. The transmission path and reception path of the frequency band are connected, and the transmission path and reception path of the first frequency band and the transmission path and reception path of the second frequency band are also connected to the secondary antenna. In each signal path, a filter for selectively passing a desired frequency band is disposed. In the conventional configuration, a transmission filter and a reception filter in the first frequency band and a transmission filter and a reception in the second frequency band are used. Four filters of the filter must be connected to each of the primary antenna and the secondary antenna, and the circuit is enlarged.

On the other hand, according to the above configuration, by arranging the first switch circuit, the high frequency signals in the first frequency band and the second frequency band are arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna and the secondary antenna, and 2 uplink 2 Can perform downlink CA. For this reason, in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna, one of the two transmission filters of the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be reduced. Similarly, in the second multiplexer, the other of the two transmission filters in the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be reduced. That is, two or more filters can be reduced as compared with the conventional configuration. In this configuration, one 2-input 2-output switch circuit is added, but the switch circuit is sufficiently smaller than the filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front-end module capable of 2-uplink 2-downlink CA.

Further, in the first switch circuit, conduction between the third terminal and the first terminal and conduction between the third terminal and the second terminal are exclusively switched, and the fourth terminal and the first terminal are switched. The conduction with the terminal and the conduction between the fourth terminal and the second terminal may be switched exclusively.

According to this, by switching the connection state of the first switch circuit, the high frequency signals of the first frequency band and the second frequency band are arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna and the secondary antenna, and the 2 uplink 2 downlink CA is assigned. Can be executed. For this reason, in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna, one of the two transmission filters of the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be reduced. Similarly, in the second multiplexer, the other of the two transmission filters in the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be reduced.

In addition, the first multiplexer does not have a filter whose pass band is the second reception band, and the second multiplexer may not have a filter whose pass band is the first reception band.

Thereby, in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna, the transmission filter and the reception filter in one of the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be reduced. In the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna, the other transmission filter and reception filter of the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be reduced. That is, four or more filters can be reduced as compared with the conventional configuration. Therefore, it is possible to provide a smaller high-frequency front-end module capable of CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks.

In addition, when the 2 uplink and the 2 downlink are performed in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, only one of the signal of the first transmission band and the signal of the second transmission band is transmitted. And performing the second downlink in the first frequency band and the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the third terminal and the first terminal are electrically connected, and the fourth terminal and the second terminal The first connection state in which the third terminal and the second terminal are conductive and the second connection state in which the fourth terminal and the first terminal are conductive is selected. Good.

Thus, for example, in the case of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks, the frequency band to be transmitted / received by the primary antenna can be arbitrarily selected. In addition, for example, in the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink, a signal path for transmitting a signal in a frequency band to be transmitted and received can be connected to the primary antenna even in a mode for transmitting a high frequency signal in any frequency band, A signal path for transmitting a signal in a frequency band for reception only can be connected to the secondary antenna.

The first multiplexer further includes a fourth reception filter whose pass band is the second reception band, and the second multiplexer is a third reception filter whose pass band is the first reception band. You may have.

Thereby, since the 1st multiplexer has the 1st receiving filter corresponding to the 1st frequency band, and the 4th receiving filter corresponding to the 2nd frequency band, for example, it transmits a high frequency signal of the 1st frequency band. In the case of one uplink and two downlinks, only one of the primary antenna and the secondary antenna may be used. The second multiplexer has a third reception filter corresponding to the first frequency band and a second reception filter corresponding to the second frequency band. For example, the second multiplexer 1 transmits a high-frequency signal in the second frequency band. In the case of uplink 2 downlink, it is only necessary to use either the primary antenna or the secondary antenna. Therefore, CA operation of 1 uplink 2 downlink can be simplified.

When performing the 2 uplink and the 2 downlink in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the third terminal and the first terminal are electrically connected, and the fourth terminal and the second frequency are Any one of a first connection state in which the terminal is conductive and a second connection state in which the third terminal and the second terminal are conductive and the fourth terminal and the first terminal are conductive is selected. In the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink that transmits the first frequency band and simultaneously receives the signal of the first reception band and the signal of the second reception band, the third terminal and the first terminal Is selected, and the fourth connection state in which the third terminal and the second terminal are in conduction is selected, and the second frequency band is transmitted to transmit the second reception band. A signal and a signal of the second reception band; In the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink receiving simultaneously, the fifth connection state in which the fourth terminal and the first terminal are conductive, and the fourth connection state in which the fourth terminal and the second terminal are conductive. Any of the six connection states may be selected.

Therefore, in the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink, it is only necessary to use either the primary antenna or the secondary antenna. Therefore, CA operation of 1 uplink 2 downlink can be simplified.

Further, a second switch circuit having a fifth terminal, a sixth terminal, a seventh terminal, and an eighth terminal, a first amplifier having an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the first transmission filter, and an output terminal Is connected to the input terminal of the second transmission filter, the fifth terminal is connected to the input terminal of the first amplifier, and the sixth terminal is connected to the second amplifier. In the second switch circuit, the signal for the primary antenna is input to the seventh terminal, the signal for the secondary antenna is input to the eighth terminal, When conduction between the third terminal and the first terminal is selected, conduction between the seventh terminal and the fifth terminal is selected, and conduction between the third terminal and the second terminal is selected. The eighth terminal and When conduction with the fifth terminal is selected and conduction between the fourth terminal and the first terminal is selected, conduction between the seventh terminal and the sixth terminal is selected, and the fourth terminal When conduction between the terminal and the second terminal is selected, conduction between the eighth terminal and the sixth terminal may be selected.

As a result, the second switch circuit realizes a connection state corresponding to the connection state of the first switch circuit. For example, the second switch circuit outputs a high-frequency signal to the high-frequency front-end module and outputs the high-frequency signal from the high-frequency front-end module. The signal for the primary antenna and the signal for the secondary antenna can be output or input without changing the terminal arrangement of the input high frequency signal processing circuit (RFIC). Therefore, the circuit configuration of the high frequency front end circuit and its peripheral circuits can be simplified. Conventionally, a switch for switching the connection between the transmission amplifier and a plurality of transmission filters included in the multiplexer is required. However, in this configuration, each of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer includes the first frequency band and the second frequency band. Since only one of the transmission filters in the frequency band is provided, a conventionally required switch is unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small and simplified high-frequency front-end module capable of performing 2 uplink 2 downlink CA.

In addition, the transmission signal of the first transmission band included in the first frequency band, the transmission signal of the second transmission band included in the second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the first frequency band and the second frequency 2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting two transmission signals of transmission signals in a third transmission band included in a third frequency band different from the band, and a reception signal in the first reception band included in the first frequency band, 2 downlinks for simultaneously receiving a reception signal in a second reception band included in the second frequency band and two reception signals among the reception signals in the third reception band included in the third frequency band are executed, The first multiplexer further includes a fifth transmission filter that uses the third transmission band as a pass band, and a fifth reception filter that uses the third reception band as a pass band, Multiplexer further includes a sixth transmission filter having a pass band of the third transmission band, and the sixth receive filter and the pass band of the third receiving band, may have.

Conventionally, in a system including a CA mode that simultaneously uses two high-frequency signals of three different first frequency bands, second frequency bands, and third frequency bands, isolating two high-frequency signals transmitted and received simultaneously. In order to ensure the signal quality such as the primary antenna, two antenna elements such as a primary antenna used preferentially and a secondary antenna used secondaryly are arranged. In this case, since it is necessary to transmit and receive each of the high frequency signals of the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band by any antenna, the primary antenna has a transmission path of the first frequency band and The reception path, the transmission path and reception path of the second frequency band, and the transmission path and reception path of the third frequency band are connected, and the same transmission path and reception path are connected to the secondary antenna. That is, in the conventional configuration, transmission filters and reception filters (total of six filters) in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band must be connected to each of the primary antenna and the secondary antenna. The circuit becomes enlarged.

On the other hand, according to the above configuration, by switching the connection state of the first switch circuit, high-frequency signals in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band can be arbitrarily transmitted to the primary antenna and the secondary antenna. Distribution, 2-uplink 2-downlink CA can be executed. For this reason, in the 1st multiplexer connected to one antenna, the transmission filter of a 2nd frequency band can be reduced, for example. Similarly, in the second multiplexer, for example, transmission filters in the first frequency band can be reduced. That is, two or more filters can be reduced as compared with the conventional configuration. In this configuration, one 2-input 2-output switch circuit is added, but the switch circuit is sufficiently smaller than the filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front-end module capable of 2-uplink 2-downlink CA.

In addition, the transmission signal of the first transmission band included in the first frequency band, the transmission signal of the second transmission band included in the second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the first frequency band and the second frequency Among the transmission signals in the third transmission band included in the third frequency band different from the band, (1) 2 uplinks of the transmission signal in the first transmission band and the transmission signal in the second transmission band, and (2) Two uplinks of the transmission signal of the first transmission band and the transmission signal of the third transmission band are executed, and the reception signal of the first reception band included in the first frequency band and included in the second frequency band Of the received signal in the second received band and the received signal in the third received band included in the third frequency band and including the second received band, (3) the received signal in the first received band and the second Receive bandwidth 2 downlinks with the signal, and (4) 2 downlinks with the reception signal in the first reception band and the reception signal in the third reception band, and the first multiplexer further includes the third reception band. A fourth reception filter having a pass band as the pass band, and the second multiplexer further includes a third reception filter having the first reception band as a pass band and a sixth transmission having the third transmission band as a pass band. And the second reception filter may use the third reception band including the second reception band as a pass band.

According to the above configuration, the first multiplexer does not have the second frequency band and third frequency band transmission filters and the second frequency band reception filter, and the second multiplexer transmits the first frequency band. Since the filter and the reception filter dedicated to the second frequency band are not provided, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front-end module capable of performing CA of two uplinks and two downlinks in three bands including two bands having an overlapping relationship.

The high-frequency front-end module performs (1) the two uplinks and the two downlinks of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and (2) the first frequency band and the second frequency band. 2 up to simultaneously transmit and simultaneously receive a high-frequency signal in a fourth frequency band different from two frequency bands and a high-frequency signal in a fifth frequency band different from the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the fourth frequency band Link 2 downlink can be performed, and the first frequency band is LTE (Long Term Evolution) band 66, the second frequency band is LTE band 25, and the fourth frequency The band may be LTE band 1, and the fifth frequency band may be LTE band 3.

As a result,

LTE bands

66, 25, 1 and 3 are applied, and CA of 2 uplink 2 downlink between band 66 and band 25 and 2 uplink 2 downlink between band 1 and band 3 are possible. A small high-frequency front-end module can be provided.

The high-frequency front-end module performs (1) the two uplinks and the two downlinks of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and (2) the first frequency band and the second frequency band. 2 up to simultaneously transmit and simultaneously receive a high-frequency signal in a fourth frequency band different from two frequency bands and a high-frequency signal in a fifth frequency band different from the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the fourth frequency band Link 2 downlink can be performed, wherein the first frequency band is LTE band 1, the second frequency band is LTE band 3, and the fourth frequency band is LTE band 3. The band 66 may be the LTE frequency band 25.

As a result,

LTE bands

Further, a communication device according to an aspect of the present invention includes any one of the high-frequency front end modules described above and an RF signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the high-frequency front end module.

This makes it possible to provide a small communication device capable of 2 uplink 2 downlink CA.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front-end module and a communication device capable of performing 2 uplink 2 downlink CA.

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit state diagram at CA of the high-frequency front-end module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency front-end module according to the first comparative example. FIG. 4A is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication apparatus according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4B is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication apparatus according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram of the communication apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2-uplink 2-downlink of the high-frequency front-end module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 7B is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency front end module according to Comparative Example 2. FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of a high-frequency front-end module according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10B is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink (Band A) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front-end module according to the modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of the communication apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12A is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2 uplink (B66 / B25) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 12B is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2-uplink (B1 / B3) 2-downlink of the high-frequency front-end module according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 12C is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink (B66) 2 downlink of the high frequency front end module according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 13 is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency front end module according to Comparative Example 3. FIG. 14 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication apparatus according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 15A is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2 uplink (B66 / B25) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 15B is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2 uplink (B1 / B3) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front-end module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 16 is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency front-end module according to the second modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink (B1) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 17B is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink (B3) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 17C is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink (B25) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 17D is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink (B66) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 17E is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2 uplink (B1 / B3) 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 17F is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2-uplink (B66 / B25) 2-downlink of the high-frequency front-end module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement of constituent elements, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in the independent claims are described as optional constituent elements. In addition, the size or size ratio of the components shown in the drawings is not necessarily strict.

(Embodiment 1)
[1.1 Configuration of High Frequency Front End Module 2A and Communication Device 1A]
FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 1A according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1A includes a high-frequency front-end module 2A, an RF signal processing circuit (RFIC) 3, and a baseband signal processing circuit (BBIC) 4.

RFIC 3 is an RF signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna of the high-frequency front end module 2A. Specifically, the RFIC 3 performs signal processing on the high-frequency reception signal input via the high-frequency front-end module 2A by down-conversion or the like, and outputs the reception signal generated by the signal processing to the BBIC 4. Also, the RFIC 3 performs signal processing on the transmission signal input from the BBIC 4 by up-conversion, and outputs the high-frequency transmission signal generated by the signal processing to the transmission-side signal path of the high-frequency front end module 2A.

The BBIC 4 is a circuit that performs signal processing using an intermediate frequency band that is lower in frequency than the high-frequency signal propagating through the high-frequency front-end module 2A. The signal processed by the BBIC 4 is used, for example, as an image signal for displaying an image, or used as an audio signal for a call through a speaker.

The RFIC 3 also has a function as a control unit that controls connection of a switch circuit (described later) included in the high-frequency front end module 2A based on a band (frequency band) to be used. Specifically, the RFIC 3 switches the connection of the switch circuit included in the high-frequency front end module 2A by a control signal (not shown). The control unit may be provided outside the RFIC 3, for example, may be provided in the high frequency front end module 2A or the BBIC 4.

Next, the detailed configuration of the high-frequency front end module 2A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the high-frequency front-end module 2A includes a primary antenna 11 and a secondary antenna 12,

switch circuits

20 and 50,

transmission filters

31T and 32T,

reception filters

31R and 32R,

transmission amplifiers

41 and 42, .

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2A is included in the signal in the first transmission band (A-Tx) included in the first frequency band (BandA) and in the second frequency band (BandB) different from the first frequency band. Two uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a signal in the second transmission band (B-Tx), a signal in the first reception band (A-Rx) included in the first frequency band (BandA), and a second frequency band ( It is possible to execute two downlinks that simultaneously receive signals in the second reception band (B-Rx) included in BandB).

The primary antenna 11 is an antenna that is preferentially used over the secondary antenna 12 in terms of antenna performance and the like, and is an antenna element that can transmit and receive Band A and Band B signals. The secondary antenna 12 is an antenna element that can transmit and receive Band A and Band B signals.

The transmission filter 31T is a first transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the transmission amplifier 41, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of A-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T is a second transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the transmission amplifier 42, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of B-Tx.

The reception filter 31R is a first reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having A-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R is a second reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filter 31T and the reception filter 31R constitute a first multiplexer that selectively transmits and receives a Band A high-frequency signal. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B-Tx. Further, the first multiplexer does not have a reception filter whose pass band is B-Rx.

The transmission filter 32T and the reception filter 32R constitute a second multiplexer that selectively transmits and receives a BandB high-frequency signal. Note that the second multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is A-Tx. Further, the second multiplexer does not have a reception filter whose pass band is A-Rx.

In this specification, the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer include a duplexer in which the output terminal of the transmission filter and the input terminal of the reception filter are commonly connected by the switch circuit 20 as in the present embodiment. Defined.

The switch circuit 20 is a first switch circuit having a terminal 20a (third terminal), a terminal 20b (fourth terminal), a terminal 20c (first terminal), and a terminal 20d (second terminal).

The terminal 20c is connected to the primary antenna 11, and the terminal 20d is connected to the secondary antenna 12. The terminal 20a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission filter 31T and the input terminal of the reception filter 31R, and the terminal 20b is connected to the output terminal of the transmission filter 32T and the input terminal of the reception filter 32R.

In the switch circuit 20, conduction between the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c and conduction between the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d are exclusively switched, and conduction between the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c and conduction between the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d are established. Switch exclusively.

In the switch circuit, “the continuity between the terminal A and the terminal B and the continuity between the terminal C and the terminal D are switched exclusively” means that (1) the terminal A and the terminal B are in conduction. Then, terminal C and terminal D are non-conductive, and (2) in a state where terminal C and terminal D are conductive, it means that terminal A and terminal B are non-conductive. To do.

The switch circuit 20 is, for example, a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) type switch

circuit having terminals

20a and 20b and

terminals

20c and 20d. The switch circuit 20 may be a switch circuit such as DP3T and DP4T. In this case, a necessary terminal may be used according to the number of bands used.

The high-frequency front-end module 2A includes the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, the switch circuit 20, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, so that the connection state of the switch circuit 20 is switched, so that the high-frequency of Band A and Band B The signal can be arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, and 2 uplink 2 downlink CA can be performed. Here, since the first multiplexer does not have a BandB transmission filter and a reception filter, and the second multiplexer does not have a BandA transmission filter and a reception filter, CA of two uplinks and two downlinks is possible. A small high-frequency front-end module 2A can be provided.

The high-frequency front-end module 2A transmits only one of the BandA high-frequency signal and the BandB high-frequency signal and simultaneously receives the BandA high-frequency signal and the BandB high-frequency signal with the above-described configuration. It is also possible to perform downlink CA.

The transmission amplifier 41 is a first amplifier whose output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the transmission filter 31T, and is a power amplifier composed of, for example, a transistor. The transmission amplifier 42 is a second amplifier whose output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the transmission filter 32T, and is, for example, a power amplifier composed of a transistor or the like.

The switch circuit 50 is a second switch circuit having a terminal 50a (seventh terminal), a terminal 50b (eighth terminal), a terminal 50c (fifth terminal), and a terminal 50d (sixth terminal).

The terminal 50c is connected to the input terminal of the transmission amplifier 41, and the terminal 50d is connected to the input terminal of the transmission amplifier 42. Further, the terminal 50a is connected to the output terminal 3a of the RFIC 3, and a transmission signal for the primary antenna 11 is input thereto. Further, the terminal 50b is connected to the output terminal 3b of the RFIC 3, and a transmission signal for the secondary antenna 12 is input thereto.

In the switch circuit 50, when the continuity between the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c of the switch circuit 20 is selected, the continuity between the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c is selected, and the continuity between the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d of the switch circuit 20 is selected. When selected, conduction between the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c is selected. Further, when the continuity between the

terminals

20a and 20c of the switch circuit 20 is selected, the continuity between the

terminals

50a and 50d is selected, and the continuity between the

terminals

20b and 20d of the switch circuit 20 is selected. In this case, conduction between the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d is selected.

The switch circuit 50 is, for example, a DPDT type switch

circuit having terminals

50a and 50b and

terminals

50c and 50d. The switch circuit 50 may be a switch circuit such as DP3T and DP4T. In this case, a necessary terminal may be used according to the number of bands used.

As a result, the switch circuit 50 realizes a connection state corresponding to the connection state of the switch circuit 20, so that the signal for the primary antenna 11 and the signal for the secondary antenna 12 can be output or changed without changing the terminal arrangement of the RFIC 3. You can enter. Therefore, the circuit configuration of the high-frequency front end module 2A and the communication device 1A can be simplified.

The RFIC 3 may be composed of two RF signal processing circuits, for example, a circuit that processes a signal for Band A and a circuit that processes a signal for Band B, or a primary antenna. 11 and a circuit for processing a signal for the secondary antenna 12 may be configured.

[1.2 Connection state of high-frequency front-end module 2A]
FIG. 2 is a circuit state diagram at CA of the high-frequency front-end module 2A according to the first embodiment. The figure shows (1) two uplinks of BandA and BandB and two downlinks of BandA and BandB (mode 1: two uplinks and two downlinks), and (2) one up of BandA or BandB. A circuit connection state in the case of a link and two downlinks of Band A and Band B (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) is shown.

In both mode 1 and mode 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection). State). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, one of the transmission signals BandA and BandB is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 41, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 11. The other transmission signal of BandA and BandB is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 42, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 12. Also, one reception signal of Band A and Band B is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the other reception signal of Band A and Band B is received by the secondary antenna 12 and the switch circuit 20. , And via the second multiplexer.

In mode 2, when one transmission signal of Band A and Band B is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 41, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 11. , One of the reception signals BandA and BandB is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the other reception signal of BandA and BandB is the secondary antenna 12, the switch circuit 20, And received by the RFIC 3 via the second multiplexer.

Alternatively, in both mode 1 and mode 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (first). 2 connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, one of the transmission signals BandA and BandB is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 42, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 11. The other transmission signal of Band A and Band B is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 41, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 12. Also, one reception signal of Band A and Band B is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer, and the other reception signal of Band A and Band B is received by the secondary antenna 12 and the switch circuit 20. , And via the first multiplexer.

In mode 2, when one transmission signal of Band A and Band B is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 42, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 11. , One of the reception signals BandA and BandB is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer, and the other reception signal of BandA and BandB is the secondary antenna 12, the switch circuit 20, And received by the RFIC 3 via the first multiplexer.

[1.3 Comparison of High-Frequency Front-End Modules According to Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 1]
FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency front end module 502 according to the first comparative example. In the figure, the RFIC 3 connected to the high-frequency front end module 502 according to the comparative example 1 is also shown. As shown in the figure, the high-frequency front-end module 502 includes a primary circuit 502a and a secondary circuit 502b. The primary circuit 502 a includes a primary antenna 11, a switch circuit 561, transmission filters 31

T

1 and 32 T 1, reception filters 31

R

1 and 32 R 1, and a transmission amplifier 41. The transmission filters 31T1 and 32T1 and the reception filters 31R1 and 32R1 constitute a first multiplexer. The secondary circuit 502b includes the secondary antenna 12, a switch circuit 562, transmission filters 31T2 and 32T2, reception filters 31R2 and 32R2, and a transmission amplifier 42. The transmission filters 31T2 and 32T2 and the reception filters 31R2 and 32R2 constitute a second multiplexer. The high-frequency front end module 502 according to the comparative example 1 is different from the high-frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, and the switch circuit. Hereinafter, the high-frequency front end module 502 according to Comparative Example 1 will be described focusing on differences from the high-frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment.

The switch circuit 561 is a SPDT type (Single Pole Double Throw) type switch circuit having a common terminal 561a and

selection terminals

561c and 561d. The common terminal 561a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 41. The switch circuit 562 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 562a and

selection terminals

562c and 562d. The common terminal 562a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 42.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 561c, an output terminal connected to the primary antenna 11, and a pass band of A-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 561d, an output terminal connected to the primary antenna 11, and a B-Tx pass band.

The reception filter 31R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the primary antenna 11 and having A-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the primary antenna 11 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filter 31T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 562c, an output terminal connected to the secondary antenna 12, and a pass band of A-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 562d, an output terminal connected to the secondary antenna 12, and a pass band of B-Tx.

The reception filter 31R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the secondary antenna 12 and having A-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the secondary antenna 12 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front end module 502 simultaneously transmits a signal in the first transmission band (A-Tx) included in BandA and a signal in the second transmission band (B-Tx) included in BandB. It is possible to execute two downlinks that simultaneously receive the signal of the first reception band (A-Rx) included in the link and BandA and the signal of the second reception band (B-Rx) included in BandB. It is.

For example, in a state where the

common terminals

561a and 561c are connected and the

common terminals

562a and 562d are connected, the transmission signal of BandA passes through the output terminal 3a, the transmission amplifier 41, the first multiplexer, and the primary antenna 11. The transmission signal of BandB is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the transmission amplifier 42, the second multiplexer, and the secondary antenna 12. Further, the received signal of BandA is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11 and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of BandB is received by the RFIC 3 via the secondary antenna 12 and the second multiplexer.

In the state where the

common terminals

561a and 561d are connected and the

common terminals

562a and 562c are connected, the transmission signal of BandB passes through the output terminal 3a, the transmission amplifier 41, the first multiplexer, and the primary antenna 11. The transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the transmission amplifier 42, the second multiplexer, and the secondary antenna 12. Further, the BandB received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11 and the first multiplexer, and the BandA received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the secondary antenna 12 and the second multiplexer.

In the high-frequency front-end module 502 according to the comparative example 1, the primary antenna 11 used preferentially and secondarily to ensure signal quality such as isolation of Band A and Band B high-frequency signals transmitted and received simultaneously. Two antenna elements, such as the used secondary antenna 12, are arranged. In this case, the primary antenna 11 is connected to the transmission path and reception path of Band A and the transmission path and reception path of Band B to the primary antenna 11 because it is necessary to be able to transmit and receive each of the high-frequency signals of Band A and Band B by any antenna. The secondary antenna 12 is also connected to the transmission path and reception path of Band A and the transmission path and reception path of Band B. In each signal path, a filter for selectively passing a desired frequency band is arranged. In the configuration of the high-frequency front-end module 502 according to Comparative Example 1, the transmission filters 31T1 and 32T1 and the reception filters 31R1 and 32R1 are arranged. These four filters are connected to the primary antenna 11. Further, four filters, that is, transmission filters 31T2 and 32T2 and reception filters 31R2 and 32R2, are connected to the secondary antenna 12. That is, in the front-end module to which the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12 are applied, a total of eight filters are required to realize two uplinks and two downlinks in two frequency bands of BandA and BandB. Is enlarged.

In contrast, the high-frequency front-end module 2A according to the present embodiment includes the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, the switch circuit 20, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, so that the connection state of the switch circuit 20 can be changed. By switching, the high-frequency signals of Band A and Band B can be arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, and 2 uplink 2 downlink CA can be executed. For this reason, BandB transmission filters can be reduced in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna. Similarly, the BandA transmission filter can be reduced in the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna. That is, two or more filters can be reduced compared to the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 502 according to the first comparative example.

In the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 2A according to the present embodiment, one two-input two-output switch circuit 20 is added as compared with the high-frequency front end module 502 according to the comparative example 1, but the switch circuit 20 Is sufficiently smaller than the transmission filter and the reception filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front end module 2A capable of CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks.

Furthermore, the high-frequency front-end module 2A according to the present embodiment includes the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, the switch circuit 20, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, so that even in the case of one uplink and two downlinks. By using both the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, it is possible to reduce the BandB reception filter in the first multiplexer connected to one of the antennas. Further, the BandA reception filter can be reduced in the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna. That is, compared with the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 502 according to the comparative example 1, a total of four or more filters can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a smaller high-frequency front end module capable of CA of 2 uplink 2 downlink and 1 uplink 2 downlink.

[1.4 Configuration of High Frequency Front End Module 2B and Communication Device 1B According to Modification 1]
FIG. 4A is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 1B according to the first modification of the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication apparatus 1B includes a high-frequency front end module 2B, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. The communication device 1B according to this modification is different from the communication device 1A according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the high-frequency front end module. Hereinafter, the communication device 1B according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from the communication device 1A according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the high-frequency front-end module 2B includes a primary antenna 11 and a secondary antenna 12,

switch circuits

20 and 50, transmission filters 31T1 and 32T2, reception filters 31R1, 31R2, 32R1, and 32R2, and transmissions. And

amplifiers

41 and 42.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2B is included in the signal in the first transmission band (A-Tx) included in the first frequency band (BandA) and in the second frequency band (BandB) different from the first frequency band. Two uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a signal in the second transmission band (B-Tx), a signal in the first reception band (A-Rx) included in the first frequency band (BandA), and a second frequency band ( It is possible to execute two downlinks that simultaneously receive signals in the second reception band (B-Rx) included in BandB).

The high-frequency front end module 2B according to the first modification differs from the high-frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer. Hereinafter, the high-frequency front end module 2B according to the first modification will be described focusing on differences from the high-frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a first transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the transmission amplifier 41, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of A-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T2 is a second transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the transmission amplifier 42, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of B-Tx.

The reception filter 31R1 is a first reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having A-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R1 is a fourth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R2 is a second reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 31R2 is a third reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having a pass band of A-Rx.

The transmission filter 31T1 and the reception filters 31R1 and 32R1 constitute a first multiplexer capable of transmitting a BandA high-frequency signal and receiving the BandA and BandB high-frequency signals. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T2 and the reception filters 32R2 and 31R2 constitute a second multiplexer capable of transmitting a BandB high-frequency signal and receiving the BandA and BandB high-frequency signals. Note that the second multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is A-Tx.

[1.5 Connection State of High Frequency Front End Module 2B According to Modification 1]
FIG. 4B is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2B according to the first modification of the first embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of two uplinks of BandA and BandB and two downlinks of BandA and BandB (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

Alternatively, in the mode 1, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

FIG. 4C is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2B according to the first modification of the first embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of one uplink of BandA or BandB and two downlinks of BandA and BandB (mode 2: 1 uplink-2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 4C, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (third connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 41, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 11, and the signals of Band A and Band B are transmitted. The received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

Alternatively, in mode 2, as shown in FIG. 4C, the control unit connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (fifth connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

In this connected state, in Mode 2, a BandB transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 42, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 11, and the BandA and BandB signals are transmitted. The received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 11, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer.

In each of the two types of connection modes, the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3 a and the primary antenna 11 is illustrated, but 1 uplink 2 via the output terminal 3 b and the secondary antenna 12 is illustrated. The downlink (4th connection state or 6th connection state) is also possible.

The high-frequency front-end module 2B according to the modification 1 includes the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12, the switch circuit 20, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, thereby switching the connection state of the switch circuit 20, BandB high-frequency signals can be arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12 to perform 2-uplink 2-downlink CA. For this reason, BandB transmission filters can be reduced in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna. Similarly, the BandA transmission filter can be reduced in the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna. That is, two filters can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 502 according to Comparative Example 1.

In the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 2B according to the first modification, one two-input two-output switch circuit 20 is added as compared with the high-frequency front end module 502 according to the first comparative example. Is sufficiently smaller than the transmission filter and the reception filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front end module 2B capable of CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks.

Further, in the high frequency front end module 2B according to the modification 1, the first multiplexer further includes the reception filter 32R1 corresponding to Band B, compared with the high frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment. In the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink transmitting a Band A high-frequency signal, only one of the primary antenna 11 and the secondary antenna 12 may be used. Further, since the second multiplexer has a reception filter 31R2 corresponding to Band A, in the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink transmitting a Band B high frequency signal, either the primary antenna 11 or the secondary antenna 12 is used. Only one should be used. Therefore, CA operation of 1 uplink 2 downlink can be simplified.

[1.6 Configurations of High Frequency Front End Module 2H and Communication Device 1H According to Modification 2]
FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 1H according to the second modification of the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1H includes a high frequency front end module 2H, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. The communication device 1H according to this modification is different from the communication device 1A according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the high-frequency front end module. Hereinafter, communication device 1H according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from communication device 1A according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the high-frequency front end module 2H includes a primary antenna 11 and a secondary antenna 12,

switch circuits

20, 50, 67, 68, 69 and 73,

transmission filters

31T and 32T, and

reception filters

31R and 32R. A transmission / reception filter 38TR,

transmission amplifiers

41 and 42, and a reception amplifier 51.

The secondary antenna 12, the

switch circuits

67, 68, 69 and 73, the transmission filter 32T, the reception filter 32R, the transmission / reception filter 38TR, the transmission amplifier 42, and the reception amplifier 51 constitute a submodule 5H.

The transmission / reception filter 38TR is a filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 73, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 69, and having C-Rx as a pass band.

The reception amplifier 51 is an amplifier whose input terminal is connected to the common terminal of the switch circuit 68 and whose output terminal is connected to the RFIC 3.

The switch circuit 67 has a common terminal connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 42, one selection terminal connected to the input terminal of the transmission filter 32T, and the other selection terminal connected to one selection terminal of the switch circuit 69. Yes.

The switch circuit 68 has a common terminal connected to the input terminal of the reception amplifier 51, one selection terminal connected to the output terminal of the reception filter 32R, and the other selection terminal connected to another selection terminal of the switch circuit 69. Yes.

The switch circuit 69 has a common terminal connected to the transmission / reception filter 38TR.

The switch circuit 73 has a common terminal connected to the terminal 20b, one selection terminal connected to the output terminal of the transmission filter 32T and the input terminal of the reception filter 32R, and the other selection terminal connected to the transmission / reception filter 38TR.

All the conventional submodules have a circuit configuration only for the reception system. However, in the high-frequency front-end module 2H according to the present modification, the submodule 5H includes the transmission system circuit to execute 2 uplink CA. It is possible. That is, the submodule 5H includes a transmission filter 32T and a reception filter 32R (duplexer) used in the case of frequency division duplex (FDD), and a transmission / reception filter 38TR used in the case of time division duplex (TDD). ing.

Conventionally, a reception band B-Rx reception filter is connected to the switch circuit 73 instead of the transmission filter 32T and the reception filter 32R (duplexer), and a reception band C-Rx reception filter is used instead of the transmission / reception filter 38TR. Although the reception filter is connected, the transmission filter 32T, the reception filter 32R (duplexer), and the transmission / reception filter 38TR are arranged, so that an overlapping reception filter need not be connected to the switch circuit 73. Thereby, the miniaturization of the submodule 5H and the high-frequency front end module 2H is realized.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2H allows the signal of the transmission band (A-Tx) included in BandA and the signal of the transmission band (B-Tx) included in BandB or the transmission band (C-Tx) included in BandC. ) And a reception band (A-Rx) signal included in BandA, a reception band (B-Rx) signal included in BandB, or a reception band included in BandC ( It is possible to implement two downlinks that simultaneously receive the C-Rx) signal.

(Embodiment 2)
[2.1 Configuration of High Frequency Front End Module 2C and Communication Device 1C]
In the first embodiment, the configuration of the communication apparatus and the high-frequency front-end module that execute CA in two frequency bands is shown. In the present embodiment, CA in two frequency bands of the three frequency bands is executed. The structure of the communication apparatus to perform and a high frequency front end module is shown.

FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram of the communication device 1C according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1C includes a high frequency front end module 2C, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. 1 C of communication apparatuses which concern on this Embodiment differ in the structure of a high frequency front end module compared with 1 A of communication apparatuses which concern on Embodiment 1. FIG. Hereinafter, communication device 1C according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from communication device 1A according to Embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the high-frequency front-end module 2C includes a primary antenna 13 and a secondary antenna 14,

switch circuits

20, 50, 61 and 62, transmission filters 31T1, 32T1, 32T2, and 33T2, a reception filter 31R1, 32R1, 33R1, 31R2, 32R2, and 33R2, and

transmission amplifiers

43 and 44.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2C allows the signal in the first transmission band (A-Tx) included in the first frequency band (BandA), the second frequency band different from the first frequency band (BandC in this embodiment). ) Included in the second transmission band (C-Tx) and the third transmission band (B−) included in the first frequency band and the third frequency band different from the second frequency band (BandB in the present embodiment). Tx), two uplink signals for simultaneously transmitting two signals, and a first reception band (A-Rx) signal included in the first frequency band (BandA), a second frequency band (BandC) And a third reception band (B) included in the second frequency band (C-Rx) included in the first frequency band and a third frequency band (BandB) different from the second frequency band. Signal rx), it is possible to perform two downlink simultaneously receive two signals of.

The high frequency front end module 2C according to the present embodiment is different from the high frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment in that it has a configuration for transmitting and receiving signals in three frequency bands. Hereinafter, the high-frequency front end module 2C according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the high-frequency front end module 2A according to the first embodiment.

The primary antenna 13 is an antenna that is used preferentially over the secondary antenna 14 in terms of antenna performance and the like, and is an antenna element that can transmit and receive Band A, Band B, and Band C signals. The secondary antenna 14 is an antenna element that can transmit and receive Band A, Band B, and Band C signals.

The switch circuit 61 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 61a and

selection terminals

61c and 61d. The common terminal 61 a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 41. The switch circuit 62 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 62a and

selection terminals

62c and 62d. The common terminal 62a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 42.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a first transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 61c, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of A-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T1 is a fifth transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 61d, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of B-Tx.

The reception filter 32R1 is a fifth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 33R1 is a fourth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having C-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filter 32T2 is a sixth transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 62c, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of B-Tx.

The transmission filter 33T2 is a second transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 62d, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of C-Tx.

The reception filter 32R2 is a sixth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having B-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 33R2 is a second reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having C-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filters 31T1, 32T1, and the reception filters 31R1, 32R1, and 33R1 constitute a first multiplexer that can selectively transmit the high-frequency signals of BandA and BandB and receive the high-frequency signals of BandA, BandB, and BandC. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is C-Tx.

The transmission filters 32T2, 33T2, and reception filters 31R2, 32R2, and 33R2 constitute a second multiplexer that can selectively transmit the high frequency signals of BandB and BandC and receive the high frequency signals of BandA, BandB, and BandC. Note that the second multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is A-Tx.

The high-frequency front-end module 2C includes the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, the

switch circuits

20, 61 and 62, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, thereby connecting the

switch circuits

20, 61 and 62. By switching, the high frequency signals of Band A, Band B, and Band C can be arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, and a 2-uplink 2-downlink CA can be executed. Here, since the first multiplexer does not have a BandC transmission filter, and the second multiplexer does not have a BandA transmission filter, a small high-frequency front-end module capable of CA of two uplinks and two downlinks is possible. 2C can be provided.

[2.2 Connection state of high-frequency front-end module 2C]
FIG. 7A is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2-uplink 2-downlink of the high-frequency front-end module 2C according to Embodiment 2. This figure shows circuit connection states in the case of two uplinks of Band A and Band C and two downlinks of Band A and Band C (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

The control unit connects the common terminal 61a and the selection terminal 61c in the switch circuit 61, and connects the common terminal 62a and the selection terminal 62d in the switch circuit 62.

In this connected state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. A transmission signal of BandC is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Further, the reception signal of Band A is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the reception signal of Band C is transmitted via the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC 3.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, a BandC transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. A transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Further, the reception signal of BandC is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer, and the reception signal of BandA is transmitted via the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC 3.

Although not shown in FIG. 7A, in the case of BandB and BandC 2-uplink 2-downlink, the following circuit connection state is obtained.

That is, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 61a and the selection terminal 61d in the switch circuit 61, and connects the common terminal 62a and the selection terminal 62d in the switch circuit 62.

In this connection state, the transmission signal of BandB is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the transmission signal of BandC. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. In addition, the BandB reception signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the BandC reception signal is transmitted via the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC 3.

Alternatively, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, the transmission signal of BandC is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the transmission signal of BandB. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the switch circuit 61, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Further, the reception signal of BandC is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer, and the BandB reception signal is received via the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer. Received by the RFIC 3.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 7A, in the case of Band A and Band B 2 uplink 2 downlink, the following circuit connection state is obtained.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 61a and the selection terminal 61c in the switch circuit 61, and connects the common terminal 62a and the selection terminal 62c in the switch circuit 62.

In this connection state, the transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the transmission signal of Band B Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Further, the received signal of BandA is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of BandB is passed through the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC 3.

In this connection state, the BandB transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the BandA transmission signal. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the switch circuit 61, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Also, the BandB received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer, and the BandA received signal is passed through the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC 3.

FIG. 7B is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2C according to the second embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of 1 uplink of BandA and 2 downlinks of BandA and BandC (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20. In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

Further, the common terminal 61a and the selection terminal 61c are connected in the switch circuit 61 by the control unit.

In this connected state, in mode 2, a transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandA and BandC received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

Alternatively, in mode 2, 1 uplink of BandC and 2 downlinks of BandA and BandC (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible. That is, the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c are connected in the switch circuit 20 by the control unit. In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

Further, the common terminal 62a and the selection terminal 62d are connected in the switch circuit 62 by the control unit.

In this connected state, in Mode 2, a BandC transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandA and BandC received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer.

In each of the above two types of connection modes, the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3 a and the primary antenna 13 is illustrated, but 1 uplink 2 via the output terminal 3 b and the secondary antenna 14 is exemplified. Downlink is also possible.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 7B, in the case of BandB 1 uplink and BandB and BandC 2 downlink (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink), the following circuit connection state is obtained.

Further, the common terminal 61a and the selection terminal 61d are connected in the switch circuit 61 by the control unit.

In this connected state, in Mode 2, a BandB transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandB and BandC received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

Or, in mode 2, 1 uplink of BandC and 2 downlinks of BandB and BandC (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible. That is, the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c are connected in the switch circuit 20 by the control unit. In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

In this connected state, in Mode 2, a BandC transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandB and BandC received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer.

Although not shown in FIG. 7B, in the case of 1 uplink of BandA and 2 downlinks of BandA and BandB (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink), the following circuit connection state is obtained.

In this connected state, in mode 2, a transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandA and BandB received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

Alternatively, in Mode 2, BandB 1 uplink and BandA and BandB 2 downlink (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible. That is, the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c are connected in the switch circuit 20 by the control unit. In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

Further, the common terminal 62a and the selection terminal 62c are connected in the switch circuit 62 by the control unit.

In this connected state, in Mode 2, a BandB transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandA and BandB received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer.

Alternatively, in mode 2, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20. In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in Mode 2, a BandB transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the switch circuit 61, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. BandA and BandB received signals are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

In addition, in the above-mentioned connection forms of 1 uplink 2 downlink, all illustrated the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3a and the primary antenna 13, but via the output terminal 3b and the secondary antenna 14 One uplink and two downlinks are also possible.

[2.3 Comparison of High-Frequency Front-End Modules According to Embodiment 2 and Comparative Example 2]
FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency front end module 503 according to the second comparative example. In the figure, the RFIC 3 connected to the high-frequency front end module 503 according to the comparative example 2 is also shown. As shown in the drawing, the high-frequency front end module 503 includes a primary circuit 503a and a secondary circuit 503b. The primary circuit 503a includes a primary antenna 13, a switch circuit 563, transmission filters 31T1, 32T1, and 33T1, reception filters 31R1, 32R1, and 33R1, and a transmission amplifier 43. The transmission filters 31T1, 32T1, and 33T1 and the reception filters 31R1, 32R1, and 33R1 constitute a first multiplexer. The secondary circuit 503b includes the secondary antenna 14, a switch circuit 564, transmission filters 31T2, 32T2, and 33T2, reception filters 31R2, 32R2, and 33R2, and a transmission amplifier 44. The transmission filters 31T2, 32T2, and 33T2 and the reception filters 31R2, 32R2, and 33R2 constitute a second multiplexer. The high frequency front end module 503 according to the comparative example 2 is different from the high frequency front end module 2C according to the second embodiment in the configuration of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, and the switch circuit. Hereinafter, the high frequency front end module 503 according to the comparative example 2 will be described focusing on differences from the high frequency front end module 2C according to the second embodiment.

The switch circuit 563 is an SP3T type (Single Pole 3 Throw) type switch circuit having a common terminal 563a and

selection terminals

563c, 563d, and 563e. The common terminal 563 a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 43. The switch circuit 564 is an SP3T type switch circuit having a common terminal 564a and

selection terminals

564c, 564d, and 564e. The common terminal 564a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 44.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 563c, an output terminal connected to the primary antenna 13, and a pass band of A-Tx. The transmission filter 32T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 563d, an output terminal connected to the primary antenna 13, and a pass band of B-Tx. The transmission filter 33T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 563e, an output terminal connected to the primary antenna 13, and a pass band of C-Tx.

The reception filter 31R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the primary antenna 13 and having A-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 32R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the primary antenna 13 and having B-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 33R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the primary antenna 13 and having C-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filter 31T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 564c, an output terminal connected to the secondary antenna 14, and a pass band of A-Tx. The transmission filter 32T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 564d, an output terminal connected to the secondary antenna 14, and a pass band of B-Tx. The transmission filter 33T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 564e, an output terminal connected to the secondary antenna 14, and a pass band of C-Tx.

The reception filter 31R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the secondary antenna 14 and having A-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 32R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the secondary antenna 14 and having B-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 33R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the secondary antenna 14 and having C-Rx as a pass band.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 503 has the first transmission band (A-Tx) signal included in BandA, the second transmission band (C-Tx) signal included in BandC, and the third transmission band included in BandB. Two uplinks that simultaneously transmit two signals of signals in the transmission band (B-Tx), a signal in the first reception band (A-Rx) included in BandA, and a second reception band (C in BandC) -Rx) and two downlink signals in the third reception band (B-Rx) included in BandB can be simultaneously received.

For example, in a state where the

common terminals

563a and 563c are connected and the

common terminals

564a and 564e are connected, it is possible to execute two uplinks and two downlinks of BandA and BandC. That is, the transmission signal of BandA is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, and the primary antenna 13, and the transmission signal of BandC is transmitted through the output terminal 3b, the transmission amplifier 44, the second multiplexer, and It is transmitted via the secondary antenna 14. Further, the received signal of Band A is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13 and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band C is received by the RFIC 3 via the secondary antenna 14 and the second multiplexer. Further, even in a state where the common terminals 563a and 563e are connected and the

common terminals

564a and 564c are connected, it is possible to execute 2-uplink 2 downlink of BandA and BandC.

In the state where the

common terminals

563a and 563c are connected and the

common terminals

564a and 564d are connected, or the

common terminals

563a and 563d are connected and the

common terminals

564a and 564c are connected, BandA and BandB. It is possible to perform two uplinks and two downlinks.

In the state where the

common terminals

563a and 563d are connected and the

common terminals

564a and 564e are connected, or the common terminals 563a and 563e are connected and the

common terminals

564a and 564d are connected, BandB and BandC. It is possible to perform two uplinks and two downlinks.

In the high-frequency front-end module 503 according to the comparative example 2, the primary antenna 13 that is used preferentially in order to ensure signal quality such as isolation of high-frequency signals of two bands of Band A, Band B, and Band C that are simultaneously transmitted and received. , And two antenna elements, such as a secondary antenna 14 used as a secondary, are arranged. In this case, since it is necessary to be able to transmit and receive each of the high frequency signals of BandA, BandB, and BandC by any antenna, the primary antenna 13 has a transmission path and reception path of BandA, a transmission path and reception path of BandB, The transmission path and reception path of BandC are connected, and the transmission path and reception path of BandA, the transmission path and reception path of BandB, and the transmission path and reception path of BandC are also connected to the secondary antenna 14. In each signal path, a filter for selectively passing a desired frequency band is arranged. In the configuration of the high-frequency front-end module 503 according to Comparative Example 2, six filters are connected to the primary antenna 13. Similarly, six filters must be connected to the secondary antenna 14. That is, in the front-end module to which the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14 are applied, in order to realize 2 uplink 2 downlink of any two frequency bands of Band A, Band B, and Band C, a total of 12 A filter is required, and the circuit becomes enlarged.

On the other hand, according to the high frequency front end module 2C according to the present embodiment, by switching the connection state of the switch circuit 20, the high frequency signals of Band A, Band B, and Band C can be arbitrarily transmitted to the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14. Can perform CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks. For this reason, in the 1st multiplexer connected to one antenna, a BandC transmission filter can be reduced, for example. Similarly, in the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna, for example, a Band A transmission filter can be reduced. That is, in the high frequency front end module 2C according to the present embodiment, a total of ten filters are arranged, and two filters can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the high frequency front end module 503 according to the comparative example 2.

In the configuration of the high-frequency front-end module 2C according to the present embodiment, one 2-input 2-output switch circuit 20 is added as compared with the high-frequency front-end module 503 according to the comparative example 2, but the switch circuit 20 Is sufficiently smaller than the transmission filter and the reception filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front-end module 2C capable of performing 2 uplink 2 downlink CA.

[2.4 Configurations of High Frequency Front End Module 2D and Communication Device 1D According to Modification]
FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 1D according to a modification of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1D includes a high frequency front end module 2D, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. The communication device 1D according to the present modification is different from the communication device 1C according to the second embodiment in the configuration of the high-frequency front end module. Hereinafter, communication device 1D according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from communication device 1C according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the high frequency front end module 2D includes a primary antenna 13 and a secondary antenna 14,

switch circuits

20, 62 and 50, transmission filters 31T1, 32T2, and 33T2, reception filters 31R1, 32R1, 31R2, and 35R2 and

transmission amplifiers

43 and 44.

Note that the communication device 1D according to the present modification is applied when Band A, Band B, and Band C have the following frequency relationship. That is, Band A has no frequency band overlap with both Band B and Band C, and the Band B reception band includes the Band C reception band.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2B can execute (1) two uplink two downlinks of BandA and BandB and (2) two uplink two downlinks of BandA and BandC. In addition, since BandB includes BandC, 2-uplink-2 downlink between BandB and BandC is not executed.

The high-frequency front end module 2D according to this modification is different from the high-frequency front end module 2C according to the second embodiment in the configuration of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer. Hereinafter, the high-frequency front end module 2D according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from the high-frequency front end module 2C according to the second embodiment.

The switch circuit 62 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 62a and

selection terminals

62c and 62d. The common terminal 62 a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 44.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a first transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the transmission amplifier 43, an output terminal connected to the switch circuit 20, and a pass band of A-Tx.

The reception filter 32R1 is a fifth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having B-Rx and C-Rx as pass bands.

The reception filter 35R2 is a second reception filter having an input terminal connected to the switch circuit 20 and having a band including B-Rx and C-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filter 31T1 and the reception filters 31R1 and 32R1 constitute a first multiplexer capable of selectively transmitting a BandA high-frequency signal and receiving a BandA, BandB, and BandC high-frequency signal. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B-Tx and a transmission filter whose pass band is C-Tx.

The transmission filters 32T2 and 33T2 and the reception filters 31R2 and 35R2 constitute a second multiplexer that can selectively transmit the high frequency signals of BandB and BandC and receive the high frequency signals of BandA, BandB, and BandC. Note that the second multiplexer does not have a transmission filter that uses A-Tx as a pass band and a reception filter that uses C-Rx as a pass band and does not use a part of B-Rx as a pass band.

The high-frequency front-end module 2D includes the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, the

switch circuits

20 and 62, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, thereby switching the connection state of the

switch circuits

20 and 62. BandA, BandB, and BandC high-frequency signals can be arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, and BandA and BandB 2 uplink 2 downlink and BandA and BandC 2 uplink 2 downlink can be executed. Here, the first multiplexer does not have a BandB transmission filter, a BandC transmission filter, and a BandC reception filter, and the second multiplexer does not have a BandA transmission filter and a BandC dedicated reception filter. It is possible to provide a small high-frequency front-end module 2D capable of performing 2 uplink 2 downlink CA in 3 bands including 2 bands in an overlapping relationship.

[2.5 Connection State of High Frequency Front End Module 2D According to Modification]
FIG. 10A is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of a high-frequency front end module 2D according to a modification of the second embodiment. This figure shows circuit connection states in the case of two uplinks of Band A and Band C and two downlinks of Band A and Band C (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the transmission signal of Band C. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Also, the received signal of BandA is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of BandC is received by the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer (reception filter). 35R2) and received by RFIC3.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, a BandC transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. A transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Further, the BandC reception signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer (reception filter 35R2), and the BandA reception signal is received by the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second antenna. 1 is received by the RFIC 3 via the multiplexer.

In the high-frequency front-end module 2D, it is possible to execute two uplinks of BandA and BandB and two downlinks of BandA and BandB (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In this connection state, in Mode 1, a Band A transmission signal is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the Band B transmission signal. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62 (via the selection terminal 62c), the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. Also, the received signal of Band A is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band B is received by the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer (receiving filter). 35R2) and received by RFIC3.

In this connected state, in Mode 1, the BandB transmission signal is output from the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62 (via the selection terminal 62c), the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. The transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 14. The BandB received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer (reception filter 35R2), and the BandA received signal is received by the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, and the second antenna. 1 is received by the RFIC 3 via the multiplexer.

FIG. 10B is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2D according to the modification of the second embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of 1 uplink of BandA and 2 downlinks of BandA and BandB (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (third connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the signals of Band A and Band B are transmitted. The received signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

Also, in the above connection state, 1 uplink of BandA and 2 downlinks of BandA and BandC (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible.

That is, the transmission signal of Band A is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 43, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the reception signals of Band A and Band C are transmitted to the primary antenna 13. The RFIC 3 receives the signal via the switch circuit 20 and the first multiplexer.

In the high-frequency front-end module 2D, BandB 1 uplink and BandA and BandB 2 downlink (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible.

That is, the control unit connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (fifth connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

In this connection state, in Mode 2, the BandB transmission signal is output from the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62 (via the selection terminal 62c), the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13. The received signals of Band A and Band B are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer.

Also, in the above connection state, 1 uplink of BandC and 2 downlinks of BandA and BandC (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible.

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

That is, the transmission signal of BandC is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 44, the switch circuit 62, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 13, and the reception signals of BandA and BandC are transmitted. The RFIC 3 receives the signal via the primary antenna 13, the switch circuit 20, and the second multiplexer.

In the above two types of connection forms, the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3a and the primary antenna 13 is illustrated, but 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3b and the secondary antenna 14 is also exemplified. Is possible.

The high-frequency front-end module 2D according to the present modification includes the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, the switch circuit 20, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, thereby switching the connection state of the switch circuit 20 so that Band A and It is possible to implement BandB's 2 2 uplink 2 downlink, and BandA and BandC 2 2 uplink 2 downlink. By arbitrarily distributing the high frequency signals of Band A and Band B to the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, or arbitrarily distributing the high frequency signals of Band A and Band C to the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14, the CA of 2 uplink 2 downlinks Can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce BandB and BandC transmission filters in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna. Similarly, the BandA transmission filter can be reduced in the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna. That is, three or more filters can be reduced compared to the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 503 according to the comparative example 2.

Further, in the configuration of the high-frequency front-end module 2D according to the present modification, compared to the high-frequency front-end module 2C according to the second embodiment, a BandB transmission filter and a BandC-dedicated filter are further used as filters constituting the first multiplexer. Three filters, a reception filter and a reception filter dedicated to BandC as the second multiplexer, can be reduced. In addition, in the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink, only one of the primary antenna 13 and the secondary antenna 14 may be used. Therefore, it is possible to provide a smaller high-frequency front-end module 2D in which CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks is possible, and CA operation of 1 uplink 2 downlinks is simplified.

(Embodiment 3)
[3.1 Configuration of High Frequency Front End Module 2E and Communication Device 1E]
In the first embodiment, the configuration of a communication device and a high-frequency front-end module that execute CA in two frequency bands, and in the second embodiment, communication that executes CA in two of the three frequency bands The structure of a device and a high frequency front end module is shown. On the other hand, in this Embodiment, the structure of the communication apparatus and high frequency front end module which perform CA of two frequency bands of four frequency bands is shown.

FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of the communication device 1E according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1E includes a high frequency front end module 2E, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. The communication device 1E according to the present embodiment is different from the communication device 1C according to the second embodiment in the configuration of the high-frequency front end module. Hereinafter, communication device 1E according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from communication device 1C according to Embodiment 2.

As shown in FIG. 11, the high-frequency front-end module 2E includes a primary antenna 15 and a secondary antenna 16,

switch circuits

20, 50, 63, 64, 71 and 72, transmission filters 31T1, 34T1, 32T2, and 33T2. Reception filters 31R1, 32R1, 33R1, 34R1, 31R2, 32R2, 33R2, and 34R2 and

transmission amplifiers

45 and 46 are provided.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2E includes (1) a transmission signal in the first transmission band (B66-Tx) included in the first frequency band (Band 66) and a second signal included in the second frequency band (Band 25). 2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a transmission signal of the transmission band (B25-Tx), (2) a reception signal of the first reception band (B66-Rx) included in the first frequency band (Band66), and the second frequency band (2) Downlink that simultaneously receives the received signal of the second reception band (B25-Rx) included in (Band25), (3) of the third transmission band (B1-Tx) included in the third frequency band (Band1) 2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a transmission signal and a transmission signal in the fourth transmission band (B3-Tx) included in the fourth frequency band (Band3), and (4) the third frequency band 2 downlinks that simultaneously receive a reception signal in the third reception band (B3-Rx) included in (Band1) and a reception signal in the fourth reception band (B3-Rx) included in the fourth frequency band (Band3) , Can be performed.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which each of the four frequency bands is assigned to a specific band of LTE (Long Term Evolution). Band 66 is a transmission band (1710-1780 MHz) and a reception band (2110-2200 MHz). Band 25 is a transmission band (1850-1915 MHz) and a reception band (1930-1995 MHz). Band 1 is a transmission band (1920-1980 MHz) and a reception band (2110-2170 MHz). Band 3 is a transmission band (1710-1785 MHz) and a reception band (1805-1880 MHz).

In the above frequency allocation, the Band3 transmission band includes the Band66 transmission band, and the Band66 reception band includes the Band1 reception band. In addition, there is no overlap and inclusion relationship in the four frequency bands.

Due to the above frequency band relationship, the high frequency front end module 2E according to the present embodiment does not execute the two uplinks of Band66 and Band3 and does not execute the two downlinks of Band66 and Band1. Yes.

The high frequency front end module 2E according to the present embodiment is different from the high frequency front end module 2C according to the second embodiment in that it has a configuration for transmitting and receiving signals in four frequency bands. Hereinafter, the high frequency front end module 2E according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the high frequency front end module 2C according to the second embodiment.

The primary antenna 15 is an antenna that is preferentially used over the secondary antenna 16 in terms of antenna performance and the like, and is an antenna element that can transmit and receive Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3 signals. The secondary antenna 16 is an antenna element that can transmit and receive Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3 signals.

The switch circuit 63 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 63a and

selection terminals

63c and 63d. The common terminal 63a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 45. The switch circuit 64 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 64a and

selection terminals

64c and 64d. The common terminal 64 a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 46.

The switch circuit 71 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 71c and

selection terminals

71a and 71b. The common terminal 71 c is connected to the terminal 20 a of the switch circuit 20. The switch circuit 72 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 72c and

selection terminals

72a and 72b. The common terminal 72 c is connected to the terminal 20 b of the switch circuit 20.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a first transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 63c, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 71a, and a pass band of B66-Tx.

The transmission filter 34T1 is a seventh transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 63d, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 71b, and a pass band of B3-Tx.

The reception filter 31R1 is a first reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71a and having B66-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R1 is a fourth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71a and a pass band of B25-Rx.

The reception filter 33R1 is a fifth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71b and having B1-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 34R1 is a seventh reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71b and having B3-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filter 32T2 is a second transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 64c, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a, and a pass band of B25-Tx.

The transmission filter 33T2 is a sixth transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 64d, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b, and a pass band of B1-Tx.

The reception filter 31R2 is a third reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a and having B66-Rx as a pass band.

The reception filter 32R2 is a second reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a and having a pass band of B25-Rx.

The reception filter 33R2 is a sixth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b and having a pass band of B1-Rx.

The reception filter 34R2 is an eighth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b and having B3-Rx as a pass band.

The transmission filters 31T1, 34T1, and the reception filters 31R1, 32R1, 33R1, and 34R1 are capable of selectively transmitting the high frequency signals of Band66 and Band3 and receiving the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3. Configure. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B25-Tx and a transmission filter whose pass band is B1-Tx.

The transmission filters 32T2, 33T2, and the reception filters 31R2, 32R2, 33R2, and 34R2 selectively transmit the high frequency signals of Band25 and Band1, and receive the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3. Configure. Note that the second multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B66-Tx and a transmission filter whose pass band is B3-Tx.

The high-frequency front end module 2E includes the primary antenna 15 and the secondary antenna 16, the

switch circuits

20, 63, 64, 71 and 72, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, so that the

switch circuits

20, 63, and 64 are provided. , 71 and 72 are switched so that the high-frequency signals of Band 66, Band 25, Band 1 and Band 3 are arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 15 and the secondary antenna 16, and the two-up described in the above (1) to (4) Link 2 downlink CA can be performed. Here, the first multiplexer does not have the Band 25 transmission filter and the Band 1 transmission filter, and the second multiplexer does not have the Band 66 transmission filter and the Band 3 transmission filter. A small high-frequency front end module 2E capable of CA can be provided.

[3.2 Connection State of High Frequency Front End Module 2E]
FIG. 12A is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2-uplink 2-downlink of the high-frequency front-end module 2E according to Embodiment 3. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of two uplinks of Band 66 and Band 25 and two downlinks of Band 66 and Band 25 (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 12A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 63a and the selection terminal 63c in the switch circuit 63, and connects the common terminal 64a and the selection terminal 64c in the switch circuit 64.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band 66 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 45, the switch circuit 63, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 71, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band 25 is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 46, the switch circuit 64, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. The received signal of Band 66 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 71 and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band 25 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and The signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the second multiplexer.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 12A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band 25 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 46, the switch circuit 64, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band 66 is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 45, the switch circuit 63, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 71, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band 25 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer, and the received signal of Band 66 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, and the switch circuit 71. , And via the first multiplexer.

FIG. 12B is a circuit state diagram in the case of 2-uplink 2-downlink of the high-frequency front-end module 2E according to Embodiment 3. The figure shows circuit connection states in the case of two uplinks of Band1 and Band3 and two downlinks of Band1 and Band3 (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 63a and the selection terminal 63d in the switch circuit 63, and connects the common terminal 64a and the selection terminal 64d in the switch circuit 64.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band1 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 45, the switch circuit 63, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 71, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band3 is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 46, the switch circuit 64, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band1 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 71 and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band3 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and The signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the second multiplexer.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band3 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 46, the switch circuit 64, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band1 is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 45, the switch circuit 63, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 71, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band3 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer, and the received signal of Band1 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 71, and The signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the first multiplexer.

FIG. 12C is a circuit state diagram in the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink of the high-frequency front end module 2E according to Embodiment 3. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of one uplink of Band 66 and two downlinks of Band 66 and Band 25 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 12C, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (third connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

Further, the common terminal 63a and the selection terminal 63c are connected in the switch circuit 63 by the control unit.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band 66 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 45, the switch circuit 63, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 71, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The received signals of Band 66 and Band 25 are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 71, and the first multiplexer.

In the above connection form, the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3 a and the primary antenna 15 is illustrated, but 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3 b and the secondary antenna 16 is also possible. .

Alternatively, in mode 2, 1 uplink of Band25 and 2 downlinks of Band66 and Band25 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible. That is, the control unit connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (fifth connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

Further, the common terminal 64a and the selection terminal 64c are connected in the switch circuit 64 by the control unit.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band 25 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 46, the switch circuit 64, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The received signals of Band 66 and Band 25 are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer.

In each of the above two types of connection forms, the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink via the output terminal 3 a and the primary antenna 15 is exemplified, but 1 uplink 2 via the output terminal 3 b and the secondary antenna 16 is exemplified. Downlink is also possible.

Although not shown in FIG. 12C, in the case of 1 uplink of Band3 and 2 downlinks of Band1 and Band3 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink), the following circuit connection state is obtained.

That is, the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c are connected in the switch circuit 20 by the control unit (third connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

Further, the common terminal 63a and the selection terminal 63d are connected in the switch circuit 63 by the control unit.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band3 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 45, the switch circuit 63, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 71, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The reception signals of Band1 and Band3 are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 71, and the first multiplexer.

Alternatively, in mode 2, 1 uplink of Band1 and 2 downlinks of Band1 and Band3 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink) are possible. That is, the control unit connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (fifth connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

Further, the common terminal 64a and the selection terminal 64d are connected in the switch circuit 64 by the control unit.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band1 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 46, the switch circuit 64, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The received signals of Band1 and Band3 are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer.

[3.3 Comparison of High-Frequency Front-End Modules According to Embodiment 3 and Comparative Example 3]
FIG. 13 is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the third comparative example. In the figure, the RFIC 3 connected to the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3 is also shown. As shown in the figure, the high-frequency front end module 504 includes a primary circuit 504a and a secondary circuit 504b. Primary circuit 504a includes primary antenna 15,

switch circuits

565 and 71, transmission filters 31T1, 32T1, 33T1, and 34T1, reception filters 31R1, 32R1, 33R1, and 34R1, and transmission amplifier 45. The transmission filters 31T1, 32T1, 33T1, and 34T1 and the reception filters 31R1, 32R1, 33R1, and 34R1 constitute a first multiplexer. Secondary circuit 504 b includes secondary antenna 16,

switch circuits

566 and 72, transmission filters 31 T 2, 32 T 2, 33 T 2 and 34 T 2, reception filters 31 R 2, 32 R 2, 33 R 2 and 34 R 2, and transmission amplifier 46. The transmission filters 31T2, 32T2, 33T2, and 34T2 and the reception filters 31R2, 32R2, 33R2, and 34R2 constitute a second multiplexer. The high frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3 is different from the high frequency front end module 2E according to the third embodiment in the configurations of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, and the switch circuit. Hereinafter, the high frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3 will be described focusing on differences from the high frequency front end module 2E according to the third embodiment.

The switch circuit 565 is an SP4T type (Single Pole 4 Throw) type switch circuit having one common terminal and four selection terminals. The common terminal is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 45. The switch circuit 566 is an SP4T type switch circuit having one common terminal and four selection terminals. The common terminal is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 46.

selection terminals

71a and 71b. The common terminal 71 c is connected to the primary antenna 15. The switch circuit 72 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 72c and

selection terminals

72a and 72b. The common terminal 72 c is connected to the secondary antenna 16.

The transmission filter 31T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 565, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 71a, and a pass band of B66-Tx. The transmission filter 32T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 565, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 71a, and a pass band of B25-Tx. The transmission filter 33T1 is a transmission filter whose input terminal is connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 565, whose output terminal is connected to the selection terminal 71b, and whose pass band is B1-Tx. The transmission filter 34T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 565, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 71b, and a pass band of B3-Tx.

The reception filter 31R1 is a reception filter whose input terminal is connected to the selection terminal 71a and whose pass band is B66-Rx. The reception filter 32R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71a and having B25-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 33R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71b and a pass band of B1-Rx. The reception filter 34R1 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 71b and a pass band of B3-Rx.

The transmission filter 31T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 566, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a, and a pass band of B66-Tx. The transmission filter 32T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 566, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a, and a pass band of B25-Tx. The transmission filter 33T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 566, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b, and a pass band of B1-Tx. The transmission filter 34T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal of the switch circuit 566, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b, and a pass band of B3-Tx.

The reception filter 31R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a and having B66-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 32R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a and having B25-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 33R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b and having B1-Rx as a pass band. The reception filter 34R2 is a reception filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b and having B3-Rx as a pass band.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 504 (1) transmits two B66-Tx transmission signals included in the Band 66 and B25-Tx transmission signals included in the Band 25 simultaneously. 2 downlinks that simultaneously receive the received B66-Rx received signal and the B25-Rx received signal included in Band25, (3) the B1-Tx transmitted signal included in Band1, and B3- 2 uplinks that transmit Tx transmission signals simultaneously, and (4) 2 downlinks that simultaneously receive B1-Rx reception signals included in Band1 and B3-Rx reception signals included in Band3 Is possible.

In the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3, signal quality such as isolation of high-frequency signals of Band 66 and Band 25 transmitted and received simultaneously, and signal quality such as isolation of high-frequency signals of Band 1 and Band 3 transmitted and received simultaneously. In order to ensure, two antenna elements, the primary antenna 15 used preferentially and the secondary antenna 16 used secondary, are arranged. In this case, the transmission paths and reception paths of all the bands are connected to the primary antenna 15 because it is necessary to transmit and receive each of the high frequency signals of Band 66, Band 25, Band 1 and Band 3 with any antenna. The transmission paths and reception paths for all bands are also connected to the antenna 16. In each signal path, a filter for selectively passing a desired frequency band is arranged. In the configuration of the high-frequency front-end module 504 according to Comparative Example 3, eight filters are connected to the primary antenna 15. Similarly, eight filters must be connected to the secondary antenna 16. That is, in the front-end module to which the primary antenna 15 and the secondary antenna 16 are applied, in order to realize 2 uplink 2 downlinks in any two frequency bands of Band 66, Band 25, Band 1 and Band 3, a total of 16 Each filter is required, and the circuit becomes enlarged.

On the other hand, according to the high frequency front end module 2E according to the present embodiment, by switching the connection state of the switch circuit 20, the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3 are converted into the primary antenna 15 and the secondary antenna 16. 2 CAs can be allocated to 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks. For this reason, in the first multiplexer connected to one antenna, for example, the Band 25 transmission filter and the Band 1 transmission filter can be reduced. Similarly, in the second multiplexer connected to the other antenna, for example, the Band 66 transmission filter and the Band 3 transmission filter can be reduced. That is, four or more filters can be reduced compared to the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3.

In the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 2E according to the present embodiment, one 2-input 2-output switch circuit 20 is added as compared with the high-frequency front end module 504 according to Comparative Example 3, but the switch circuit 20 Is sufficiently smaller than the transmission filter and the reception filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small high-frequency front end module 2E capable of CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks.

[3.4 Configuration of High Frequency Front End Module 2F and Communication Device 1F According to Modification 1]
FIG. 14 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 1F according to the first modification of the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1F includes a high frequency front end module 2F, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. The communication device 1F according to the present modification is different from the communication device 1E according to the third embodiment in the configuration of the high-frequency front end module. Hereinafter, communication device 1F according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from communication device 1E according to Embodiment 3.

As shown in FIG. 14, the high-frequency front end module 2F includes a primary antenna 15 and a secondary antenna 16,

switch circuits

20, 50, 65, 66 and 72, transmission filters 37T1, 31T2, 32T2, 33T2 and 34T2, and reception. Filters 36R1, 34R1, 32R1, 31R2, 32R2, 33R2, and 34R2 and

transmission amplifiers

47 and 48 are provided.

In the communication device 1F according to the present modification, in the frequency band allocation, the Band3 transmission band includes the Band66 transmission band, and the Band66 reception band includes the Band1 reception band. It has become. In addition, there is no overlap and inclusion relationship in the four frequency bands.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2F allows (1) two uplinks to simultaneously transmit a B66-Tx transmission signal included in the Band 66 and a B25-Tx transmission signal included in the Band 25, and (2) the Band 66 to 2 downlinks that simultaneously receive the received B66-Rx received signal and the B25-Rx received signal included in Band25, (3) the B1-Tx transmitted signal included in Band1, and B3- 2 uplinks that transmit Tx transmission signals simultaneously, and (4) 2 downlinks that simultaneously receive B1-Rx reception signals included in Band1 and B3-Tx reception signals included in Band3 Is possible. Note that the two uplinks of Band66 and Band3 are not executed, and the two uplinks of Band66 and Band1 are not executed.

The high frequency front end module 2F according to the present modification is different from the high frequency front end module 2E according to the third embodiment in the configuration of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, and the switch circuit. Hereinafter, the high-frequency front end module 2F according to this modification will be described focusing on differences from the high-frequency front end module 2E according to the third embodiment.

The switch circuit 65 is an SP3T type switch circuit having a common terminal 65a and

selection terminals

65c, 65d and 65e. The common terminal 65 a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 47. The switch circuit 66 is an SP3T type switch circuit having a common terminal 66a and

selection terminals

66c, 66d and 64e. The common terminal 66 a is connected to the output terminal of the transmission amplifier 48.

The switch circuit 72 is an SPDT type switch circuit having a common terminal 72c and

selection terminals

The transmission filter 37T1 is a first transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 65c, an output terminal connected to the terminal 20a, and a pass band of B3-Tx including B66-Tx.

The reception filter 36R1 is a first reception filter having an input terminal connected to the terminal 20a and having a pass band of B66-Rx including B1-Rx.

The reception filter 34R1 is a seventh reception filter having an input terminal connected to the terminal 20a and having a pass band of B3-Rx.

The reception filter 32R1 is a fourth reception filter having an input terminal connected to the terminal 20a and having a pass band of B25-Rx.

The transmission filter 31T2 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 65d, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a, and a pass band of B66-Tx.

The transmission filter 32T2 is a second transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 66c, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72a, and a pass band of B25-Tx.

The transmission filter 33T2 is a sixth transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 66d, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b, and a pass band of B1-Tx.

The transmission filter 34T2 is an eighth transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the selection terminal 65e, an output terminal connected to the selection terminal 72b, and a pass band of B3-Tx.

The transmission filters 37T1 and 31T2 and the reception filters 36R1, 34R1 and 32R1 constitute a first multiplexer capable of selectively transmitting the high frequency signals of Band3 and Band66 and receiving the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1 and Band3. To do. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B25-Tx and a transmission filter whose pass band is B1-Tx. Further, a transmission filter having a pass band of B3-Tx and a transmission filter having a pass band of B66-Tx are set as one transmission filter, and a reception filter having a pass band of B1-Rx and B66-Rx are set as a pass band. The reception filter to be used is one transmission filter.

The transmission filters 32T2, 33T2, 34T2, and the reception filters 31R2, 32R2, 33R2, and 34R2 can selectively transmit the high frequency signals of Band25, Band1, and Band3, and can receive the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3. A second multiplexer is configured. The transmission filters 31T2 and 32T2 and the reception filters 31R2 and 32R2 constitute a first quadplexer of Band66 and Band25, and the transmission filters 33T2 and 34T2 and the reception filters 33R2 and 34R2 are the second quadplexers of Band1 and Band3. Is configured.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2F includes (1) a transmission signal in the first transmission band (B66-Tx) included in the first frequency band (Band 66) and a second signal included in the second frequency band (Band 25). 2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a transmission signal of the transmission band (B25-Tx), (2) a reception signal of the first reception band (B66-Rx) included in the first frequency band (Band66), and the second frequency band 2 downlinks that simultaneously receive the reception signal of the second reception band (B25-Rx) included in (Band25), (3) a transmission signal of B1-Tx included in Band1, and B3-Tx included in Band3 (2) B3-Rx reception signal included in Band1 and (B3) reception of B3-Rx included in Band3 2 downlink simultaneously receiving the items, it is possible to run.

The high frequency front end module 2F includes the primary antenna 15 and the secondary antenna 16, the

switch circuits

20, 65, 66, and 72, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer, so that the

switch circuits

20, 65, 66, and 72 are included. By switching the connection state, the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1 and Band3 are arbitrarily distributed to the primary antenna 15 and the secondary antenna 16, and 2 uplink 2 downlinks of Band66 and Band25, and 2 of Band1 and Band3 Uplink 2 Downlink can be performed. Here, the first multiplexer does not have a Band 25 transmission filter and a Band 1 transmission filter. Further, instead of having the Band 66 transmission filter alone, the Band 3 transmission filter and the Band 66 transmission filter are used as one transmission filter, and the Band 1 reception filter and the Band 66 reception filter are used as one reception filter. The second multiplexer does not have a Band 66 transmission filter. For this reason, four filters can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3. Therefore, as compared with the high frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3, it is possible to provide a small high frequency front end module 2F capable of performing CA of 2 uplinks and 2 downlinks in 4 bands including 3 bands having an overlapping relationship.

In the high-frequency front end module 2F of the present modification, the first quadplexer and the second quadplexer, the

switch circuits

65, 66, 72, 20 and 50, and the

transmission amplifiers

47 and 48 are Band66, Band25. , The front end module 100A corresponding to the multi-band of Band1 and Band3 is configured. The front end module 100A is a basic circuit that can select one of the four bands by switching the

switch circuits

65, 66, and 72.

The high-frequency front-end module 2F of the present modification is configured by adding a multiplexer 100B configured by a transmission filter 37T1 and reception filters 36R1, 34R1, and 32R1 to the basic front-end module 100A, so that two of Band66 and Band25 are obtained. It is possible to support uplink 2 downlink and Band 1 and Band 3 2 uplink 2 downlink.

[3.5 Connection State of High Frequency Front End Module 2F According to Modification 1]
FIG. 15A is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of the high-frequency front end module 2F according to the first modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of two uplinks of Band 66 and Band 25 and two downlinks of Band 66 and Band 25 (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 15A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 65a and the selection terminal 65c in the switch circuit 65, connects the common terminal 66a and the selection terminal 66c in the switch circuit 66, and connects the common terminal 72c and the selection terminal 72a in the switch circuit 72. Is connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band 66 is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the switch circuit 65, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. A transmission signal of Band 25 is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Also, the received signal of Band 66 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20 and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band 25 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72 and the second multiplexer. Via RFIC3.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 15A, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band 25 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band 66 is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the switch circuit 65, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band 25 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72 and the second multiplexer, and the received signal of Band 66 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20 and the first multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC3.

FIG. 15B is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2F according to the first modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows circuit connection states in the case of two uplinks of Band1 and Band3 and two downlinks of Band1 and Band3 (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 15B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

The control unit connects the common terminal 65a and the selection terminal 65c in the switch circuit 65, connects the common terminal 66a and the selection terminal 66d in the switch circuit 66, and connects the common terminal 72c and the selection terminal 72b in the switch circuit 72. Is connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band3 is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the switch circuit 65, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band1 is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Also, the received signal of Band3 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20 and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band1 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72 and the second multiplexer. Via RFIC3.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 15B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band1 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band3 is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the switch circuit 65, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. The received signal of Band1 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer, and the received signal of Band3 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer. Via RFIC3.

That is, the high-frequency front-end module 2F according to the modification 1 can execute (2) two uplink two downlinks of a high-frequency signal in the first frequency band (Band 66) and a high-frequency signal in the second frequency band (Band 25). In addition, it is possible to execute two uplinks and two downlinks of the high frequency signal of Band1 and the high frequency signal of Band3.

Further, the high-frequency front end module 2F according to the present modification is also applied to one uplink and two downlinks, similarly to the high-frequency front end module 2E according to the third embodiment. That is, (1) one uplink of Band66 and two downlinks of Band66 and Band25, (2) one uplink of Band25, two downlinks of Band66 and Band25, (3) one uplink of Band1, and , Band1 and Band3 2 downlinks, (4) Band3 1 uplink, and Band1 and Band3 2 downlinks (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink),

switch circuits

20, 50, 65, 66 and This can be realized by switching 72.

[3.6 Configurations of High Frequency Front End Module 2G and Communication Device 1G According to Modification 2]
FIG. 16 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 1G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1G includes a high frequency front end module 2G, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. The communication device 1G according to the present modification is different from the communication device 1F according to the first modification of the third embodiment in the configuration of the high-frequency front end module. Hereinafter, the communication apparatus 1G according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from the communication apparatus 1F according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3.

As shown in FIG. 16, the high-frequency front end module 2G includes a primary antenna 15 and a secondary antenna 16,

switch circuits

20, 50, 66 and 72, transmission filters 37T1, 32T2, and 33T2, reception filters 36R1, 34R1, 32R1, 31R2, 32R2, 33R2 and 34R2 and

transmission amplifiers

47 and 48.

In the frequency band allocation, the communication device 1G according to the present modification has a relationship in which the Band3 transmission band includes the Band66 transmission band, and the Band66 reception band includes the Band1 reception band. It has become. In addition, there is no overlap and inclusion relationship in the four frequency bands.

With the above configuration, the high-frequency front-end module 2G includes (1) a transmission signal in the first transmission band (B66-Tx) included in the first frequency band (Band 66) and a second signal included in the second frequency band (Band 25). 2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a transmission signal of the transmission band (B25-Tx), (2) a reception signal of the first reception band (B66-Rx) included in the first frequency band (Band66), and the second frequency band It is possible to execute two downlinks that simultaneously receive the reception signals in the second reception band (B25-Rx) included in (Band25). Band 1 may be the first frequency band and Band 3 may be the second frequency band. (3) The transmission signal of the first transmission band (B1-Tx) included in the first frequency band (Band 1) and the second frequency band (2) Two uplinks for simultaneously transmitting transmission signals in the second transmission band (B3-Tx) included in (Band3), and (4) First reception band (B1-Rx) included in the first frequency band (Band1) 2 downlinks for simultaneously receiving the received signal and the received signal in the second reception band (B3-Rx) included in the second frequency band (Band3). Note that the two uplinks of Band66 and Band3 are not executed, and the two downlinks of Band66 and Band1 are not executed.

Compared with the high frequency front end module 2F according to the first modification of the third embodiment, the high frequency front end module 2G according to the present modification has a configuration in which the second multiplexer and the switch circuit 65 are eliminated. Different. Hereinafter, the high-frequency front end module 2G according to the present modification will be described focusing on differences from the high-frequency front end module 2F according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3.

The transmission filter 37T1 is a transmission filter having an input terminal connected to the transmission amplifier 47, an output terminal connected to the terminal 20a, and a pass band of B3-Tx including B66-Tx.

The transmission filter 37T1 and the reception filters 36R1, 34R1, and 32R1 constitute a first multiplexer that can selectively transmit the high frequency signals of Band3 and Band66 and receive the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3. Note that the first multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B25-Tx and a transmission filter whose pass band is B1-Tx. Further, a transmission filter having a pass band of B3-Tx and a transmission filter having a pass band of B66-Tx are set as one transmission filter, and a reception filter having a pass band of B1-Rx and B66-Rx are set as a pass band. One reception filter is used as a reception filter.

The transmission filters 32T2, 33T2, and the reception filters 31R2, 32R2, 33R2, and 34R2 selectively transmit the high frequency signals of Band1 and Band25 and receive the high frequency signals of Band66, Band25, Band1, and Band3. Configure. Note that the second multiplexer does not have a transmission filter whose pass band is B66-Tx and a transmission filter whose pass band is B3-Tx.

Therefore, six filters can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3.

The high-frequency front end module 2G according to the present modification does not secure the basic functions of the front end module 100A as compared with the high-frequency front end module 2F according to the first modification, and emphasizes simplification and miniaturization of the circuit. It has become. Therefore, compared with the high-frequency front end module 504 according to the comparative example 3 and the high-frequency front end module 2F according to the first modification of the third embodiment, two uplinks and two downlinks in four bands including three bands having an overlapping relationship A small high-frequency front-end module 2G capable of CA can be provided.

[3.7 Connection State of High Frequency Front-End Module 2G According to Modification 2]
FIG. 17A is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of 1 uplink of Band 1 and 2 downlinks of Band 1 and Band 3 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 17A, the control unit connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (fifth connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 66a and the selection terminal 66d in the switch circuit 66, and connects the common terminal 72c and the selection terminal 72b in the switch circuit 72.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band1 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The received signals of Band1 and Band3 are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer.

FIG. 17B is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of 1 uplink of Band 3 and 2 downlinks of Band 1 and Band 3 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 17B, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (third connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band3 is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15, and Band1 and Band3 The reception signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

FIG. 17C is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front end module 2G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of one uplink of Band 25 and two downlinks of Band 66 and Band 25 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 17C, the control unit connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (fifth connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the

terminals

50a and 50d are connected.

Further, the control unit connects the common terminal 66a and the selection terminal 66c in the switch circuit 66, and connects the common terminal 72c and the selection terminal 72a in the switch circuit 72.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band 25 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The received signals of Band 66 and Band 25 are received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer.

FIG. 17D is a circuit state diagram in the case of one uplink and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of one uplink of Band 66 and two downlinks of Band 66 and Band 25 (mode 2: 1 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 2, as shown in FIG. 17D, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20 (third connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 2, the transmission signal of Band 66 is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15, and the Band 66 and Band 25 The reception signal is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer.

FIG. 17E is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows circuit connection states in the case of two uplinks of Band1 and Band3 and two downlinks of Band1 and Band3 (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 17E, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band3 is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15, and the transmission signal of Band1. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Also, the received signal of Band3 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band1 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC3.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 17E, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20 and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band1 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band3 is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band1 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer, and the received signal of Band3 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC3.

FIG. 17F is a circuit state diagram in the case of two uplinks and two downlinks of the high-frequency front-end module 2G according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The figure shows a circuit connection state in the case of two uplinks of Band 66 and Band 25 and two downlinks of Band 66 and Band 25 (mode 1: 2 uplink 2 downlink).

In mode 1, as shown in FIG. 17F, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20c in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20d (first connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50c are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50d are connected.

In this connection state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band 66 is transmitted via the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15, and the transmission signal of Band 25. Is transmitted via the output terminal 3b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band 66 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, and the first multiplexer, and the received signal of Band 25 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72, and the second multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC3.

Alternatively, in mode 1, as shown in FIG. 17F, the control unit connects the terminal 20a and the terminal 20d in the switch circuit 20, and connects the terminal 20b and the terminal 20c (second connection state). In the switch circuit 50, the terminal 50a and the terminal 50d are connected, and the terminal 50b and the terminal 50c are connected.

In this connected state, in mode 1, the transmission signal of Band 25 passes through the output terminal 3a, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 48, the switch circuit 66, the second multiplexer, the switch circuit 72, the switch circuit 20, and the primary antenna 15. The transmission signal of Band 66 is transmitted via the output terminal 3 b, the switch circuit 50, the transmission amplifier 47, the first multiplexer, the switch circuit 20, and the secondary antenna 16. Further, the received signal of Band 25 is received by the RFIC 3 via the primary antenna 15, the switch circuit 20, the switch circuit 72 and the second multiplexer, and the received signal of Band 66 is received by the secondary antenna 16, the switch circuit 20 and the first multiplexer. Is received by the RFIC3.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the high-frequency front-end module and the communication device according to the embodiment have been described with reference to the embodiment and the modified example thereof. It is not limited to. A person skilled in the art can conceive of another embodiment realized by combining arbitrary constituent elements in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and the above-mentioned embodiment and its modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention. Modifications obtained by performing various modifications, and various devices incorporating the high-frequency front-end module and communication device of the present disclosure are also included in the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment and the modification thereof, the configuration of the 2 uplink 2 downlink using the high frequency signal in the first frequency band and the high frequency signal in the second frequency band is exemplified. The configuration of the front-end module and the communication device can also be applied to an uplink and / or downlink (for example, 3 uplink 3 downlink) configuration using three or more different frequency bands simultaneously. That is, a configuration for performing uplink and / or downlink using three or more different frequency bands at the same time, including a configuration of the high-frequency front-end module or the communication device according to the above-described embodiment and its modifications. Front-end modules or communication devices are also included in the present invention.

For example, in the high-frequency front-end module and the communication device according to the above-described embodiment and the modification thereof, another high-frequency circuit element and wiring are inserted between the circuit elements and signal paths disclosed in the drawings. It may be.

The present invention can be widely used in communication devices such as mobile phones as a multi-band / multi-mode compatible front-end module employing a carrier aggregation method.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G,

1H Communication device

2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 502, 503, 504 High frequency front end module 3 RF signal processing circuit (RFIC)
3a, 3b Output terminal 4 Baseband signal processing circuit (BBIC)

5H Submodule

11, 13, 15

Primary antenna

12, 14, 16

Secondary antenna

20, 50, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 561, 562, 563 564, 565, 566

Switch circuit

20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Terminal 31R, 31R1, 31R2, 32R, 32R1, 32R2, 33R1, 33R2, 34R1, 34R2, 35R2, 36R1 Reception filter 31T , 31T1, 31T2, 32T, 32T1, 32T2, 33T1, 33T2, 34T1, 34T2, 37T1 Transmit filter 38TR Transmit / receive

filter

41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 Transmit amplifier 51 Receive

amplifier

61a, 62a, 6 a, 64a, 65a, 66a, 71c, 72c, 561a, 562a, 563a, 564a Common terminal 61c, 61d, 62c, 62d, 63c, 63d, 64c, 64d, 65c, 65d, 65e, 66c, 66d, 71a, 71b , 72a, 72b, 561c, 561d, 562c, 562d, 563c, 563d, 563e, 564c, 564d, 564e selection terminal 100A front end module 100B multiplexer 502a, 503a, 504a

primary circuit

502b, 503b, 504b secondary circuit

Claims

2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting a signal in a first transmission band included in the first frequency band and a signal in a second transmission band included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and the first frequency A high-frequency front-end module that executes two downlinks for simultaneously receiving a signal in a first reception band included in a band and a signal in a second reception band included in the second frequency band;
A primary antenna and a secondary antenna;
A first multiplexer and a second multiplexer;
A first switch circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal;
The first multiplexer includes:
A first transmission filter having the first transmission band as a pass band;
A first reception filter having the first reception band as a pass band,
There is no transmission filter having the second transmission band as a pass band,
The second multiplexer includes:
A second transmission filter whose pass band is the second transmission band;
A second reception filter having the second reception band as a pass band,
There is no transmission filter having the first transmission band as a pass band,
The first terminal is connected to the primary antenna;
The second terminal is connected to the secondary antenna;
The third terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first transmission filter and an input terminal of the first reception filter;
The fourth terminal is connected to an output terminal of the second transmission filter and an input terminal of the second reception filter;
High frequency front end module.
In the first switch circuit,
The conduction between the third terminal and the first terminal and the conduction between the third terminal and the second terminal are exclusively switched,
Conduction between the fourth terminal and the first terminal and conduction between the fourth terminal and the second terminal are exclusively switched;
The high frequency front end module according to claim 1.
The first multiplexer does not have a filter whose pass band is the second reception band,
The second multiplexer does not have a filter whose pass band is the first reception band;
The high frequency front end module according to claim 1 or 2.
When performing the 2 uplink and the 2 downlink in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and transmitting only one of the signal of the first transmission band and the signal of the second transmission band When performing the 2 downlink in the uplink and the first frequency band and the second frequency band,
The first connection state in which the third terminal and the first terminal are conductive and the fourth terminal and the second terminal are conductive, and the third terminal and the second terminal are conductive and the fourth terminal One of the second connection states in which the terminal and the first terminal are conductive is selected.
The high frequency front end module according to claim 3.
The first multiplexer further includes a fourth reception filter whose pass band is the second reception band,
The second multiplexer further includes a third reception filter whose pass band is the first reception band.
The high frequency front end module according to claim 1 or 2.
When performing the 2 uplink and the 2 downlink in the first frequency band and the second frequency band,
The first connection state in which the third terminal and the first terminal are conductive and the fourth terminal and the second terminal are conductive, and the third terminal and the second terminal are conductive and the fourth terminal One of the second connection states in which the terminal and the first terminal are conductive is selected,
In the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink that transmits the first frequency band and simultaneously receives the signal of the first reception band and the signal of the second reception band, the third terminal and the first terminal are Any one of the third connection state that is conductive and the fourth connection state that is conductive between the third terminal and the second terminal is selected.
In the case of 1 uplink 2 downlink transmitting the second frequency band and simultaneously receiving the signal of the first reception band and the signal of the second reception band, the fourth terminal and the first terminal are Any one of a fifth connection state in which conduction is established and a sixth connection state in which the fourth terminal and the second terminal are conduction is selected.
The high frequency front end module according to claim 5.
further,
A second switch circuit having a fifth terminal, a sixth terminal, a seventh terminal, and an eighth terminal;
A first amplifier having an output terminal connected to an input terminal of the first transmission filter;
A second amplifier having an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the second transmission filter;
The fifth terminal is connected to an input terminal of the first amplifier;
The sixth terminal is connected to an input terminal of the second amplifier;
A signal for the primary antenna is input to the seventh terminal,
A signal for the secondary antenna is input to the eighth terminal,
In the second switch circuit,
When conduction between the third terminal and the first terminal is selected, conduction between the seventh terminal and the fifth terminal is selected,
When conduction between the third terminal and the second terminal is selected, conduction between the eighth terminal and the fifth terminal is selected,
When conduction between the fourth terminal and the first terminal is selected, conduction between the seventh terminal and the sixth terminal is selected,
When conduction between the fourth terminal and the second terminal is selected, conduction between the eighth terminal and the sixth terminal is selected.
The high-frequency front end module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A transmission signal of a first transmission band included in the first frequency band, a transmission signal of a second transmission band included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the first frequency band and the second frequency band 2 uplinks for simultaneously transmitting two transmission signals of transmission signals in a third transmission band included in different third frequency bands, and a reception signal in a first reception band included in the first frequency band, the second 2 downlinks for simultaneously receiving a received signal in the second reception band included in the frequency band and two received signals among the received signals in the third reception band included in the third frequency band are executed,
The first multiplexer further includes:
A fifth transmission filter having the third transmission band as a pass band;
A fifth reception filter having the third reception band as a passband,
The second multiplexer further includes:
A sixth transmission filter whose pass band is the third transmission band;
A sixth reception filter having the third reception band as a pass band,
The high frequency front end module according to claim 5.
A transmission signal of a first transmission band included in the first frequency band, a transmission signal of a second transmission band included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the first frequency band and the second frequency band Among the transmission signals of the third transmission band included in the different third frequency bands, (1) two uplinks of the transmission signal of the first transmission band and the transmission signal of the second transmission band, and (2) the second 2 uplinks of a transmission signal of 1 transmission band and a transmission signal of the third transmission band are executed,
A reception signal in a first reception band included in the first frequency band, a reception signal in a second reception band included in the second frequency band, and a second signal included in the third frequency band and including the second reception band. Among the reception signals of the three reception bands, (3) two downlinks of the reception signal of the first reception band and the reception signal of the second reception band, and (4) the reception signal of the first reception band and the first 2 downlinks with received signals in 3 reception bands are performed,
The first multiplexer further includes a fourth reception filter whose pass band is the third reception band,
The second multiplexer further includes a third reception filter having the first reception band as a pass band;
A sixth transmission filter having the third transmission band as a pass band,
The second reception filter uses the third reception band including the second reception band as a pass band,
The high frequency front end module according to claim 1 or 2.
The high-frequency front-end module executes (1) the two uplinks and the two downlinks of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and (2) the first frequency band and the second frequency. 2 uplinks 2 for simultaneously transmitting and simultaneously receiving a high-frequency signal in a fourth frequency band different from the band and a high-frequency signal in a fifth frequency band different from the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the fourth frequency band It is possible to perform a downlink,
The first frequency band is an LTE (Long Term Evolution) band 66;
The second frequency band is LTE band 25;
The fourth frequency band is LTE band 1;
The fifth frequency band is LTE band 3.
The high-frequency front end module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The high-frequency front-end module executes (1) the two uplinks and the two downlinks of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and (2) the first frequency band and the second frequency. 2 uplinks 2 for simultaneously transmitting and simultaneously receiving a high-frequency signal in a fourth frequency band different from the band and a high-frequency signal in a fifth frequency band different from the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the fourth frequency band It is possible to perform a downlink,
The first frequency band is LTE band 1;
The second frequency band is LTE band 3;
The fourth frequency band is an LTE band 66;
The fifth frequency band is LTE band 25.
The high-frequency front end module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A high-frequency front end module according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An RF signal processing circuit for processing a high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the high-frequency front-end module,
Communication device.